Libraries as public institutions have become integral with the fabric of modern society. They provide public accessibility to books and other resources such as audio and video. But they are at risk with the new politics of DRM.

"The British Library's Chief Executive, Lynne Brindley, is warning that DRM systems are creating unintended consequences that affect how digital material can be stored and disseminated by libraries, which have traditionally been protected by special exceptions under IP law."

Content in this digital age comes with strings. "'Digital material generally comes with a contract, and these contracts are nearly always more restrictive than existing copyright law and frequently prevent copying, archiving, and access by the visually impaired', said Brindley."

Lawmakers now have the power to determine the future of the library. But the outcome is far from certain. Will the digital age be their downfall, or allow libraries to prosper? Time will tell.